Custard Apple, Red Seedling (Annona reticulata)
Velvety Crimson Tropical Delicacy
Red Custard Apple (Annona reticulata), also known as Bull's Heart due to its heart-shaped appearance, is a distinctive tropical fruit tree renowned for its deliciously sweet and aromatic fruit. The tree itself is moderately sized, making it suitable for a range of garden spaces, and is characterized by its glossy, green leaves and fragrant, creamy-yellow flowers. The fruit's skin is uniquely reticulated, with a reddish-brown hue when ripe, and the flesh inside is creamy, white to light yellow, and filled with a pleasant, custard-like texture.
It is native to the West Indies, Central America, and South Mexico, and a cultivated crop from southern Mexico to Peru and Brazil. This variety thrives in warm, tropical to subtropical climates, requiring well-drained soil and regular watering to ensure healthy growth and bountiful fruit production. When fully mature, the fruit can be enjoyed fresh, used in desserts, or blended into smoothies and shakes for a refreshing treat.
For healthy growth of your Red Custard Apple tree, plant it in a sunny to partly shaded spot with well-draining soil. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball but not deeper, to encourage root spread without deep burial. Water regularly, letting the soil dry slightly between waterings, and fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during growth periods. Minimal pruning is needed; just remove dead or overlapping branches to improve air flow and shape. Proper care will ensure your tree thrives and bears fruit effectively.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Annona spp. (various species including A. squamosa, A. reticulata, A. muricata, A. glabra, A. cherimola) |
| Common Names | Sugar Apple, Red Custard Apple, Soursop, Pond Apple, Cherimoya, Annona |
| Family | Annonaceae |
| Origin | Tropical Americas (Caribbean, Central & South America) |
| Plant Type | Tropical/Subtropical Evergreen or Semi-Deciduous Fruit Tree/Shrub |
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
| Mature Size | Up to 35 ft. |
| Light | Full Sun, Part Shade (best fruit production with more sun) |
| Water Needs | Moderate to High (regular moisture; avoid waterlogging; deep watering during growing/fruiting seasons; reduced watering in winter dormancy) |
| Soil | Rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil |
| Bloom Time | Spring to Summer |
| Flower Color | Greenish-Yellow to Pale Green |
| USDA Zones | Outdoors 9–11 (with frost protection until established); Patio/Greenhouse 4+ |
| Florida Native | No |
| Propagation | Seed, Air-layering (our Annonas are grown from seed and air-layering and can fruit in 2–5 years) |
| Seasonal Traits | Semi-Deciduous in cooler temps; may defoliate below ~40°F; evergreen in deep tropics |
| Growth Rate | Fast to Medium |
| Self-Fertile | Yes |
| Harvest Season | Late Summer – Fall |
| Time to Harvest | 2–5 Years (varies by species and growing conditions) |
| Notes | Annona (from Taíno annon) is a genus in the pawpaw/sugar apple family, Annonaceae. The name derives from anón, a Hispaniolan Taíno word for the fruit. Includes Sugar Apple, Red Custard Apple, Soursop, Cherimoya, and Pond Apple varieties. |
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